Nancy Harris

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Major Randy Dolphin

Operation Commander/Public Information Officer

870.541.5351-OFFICE

Email: randy.dolphin@jeffcoso.org

UPDATE: DEATH OF WOMAN FOUND NEAR A WOODED AREA ALONG HIGHWAY 54 RULED ACCIDENTAL: Jefferson County, Arkansas – January 15, 2019 The autopsy results for a woman, whose body was found near a wooded area along Highway 54 in Jefferson County, Arkansas has been ruled as accidental. 

Following a 911 call on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at 4:59 p.m., Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Deputies were dispatched to Highway 54, just east of Middle Warren Road to the report of a found body.  The body was identified as being that of 50-year-old Nancy Harris.  Harris’ husband, initially located her body and called 911.

Harris had been reported missing by her family after she began acting erratic and abruptly exited the vehicle in which she was traveling in with her husband and daughter along Highway 54 on the evening of Friday, December 7, 2018.  Harris’ husband and daughter attempted to search for her immediately after but were unsuccessful.

Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Jason Duren pronounced Harris dead at 6:05 p.m.  The JCSO Criminal Investigation Division began a death investigation into Harris’ death.  Meanwhile, Harris’ body will be sent to the State Crime Laboratory for an autopsy to be performed by the State Medical Examiner to determine cause and manner of death.

“A full autopsy was conducted and according to the preliminary results, no foul play was indicated in the death of Harris,” said Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Operations Commander, Major Randy Dolphin.

Harris’ death was ruled by the State Medical Examiner as accidental due to environmental hypothermia.

“Exposure to the elements was the major factor in Harris’ death, said Dolphin. “  With so many rumors circulating around the death of Harris, I’m happy that our agency is now able to bring some closure to the family and dispel any further rumors.”